40 years of growth and success

From small beginnings…

Launched by Charlie in 1979 with just a bag of tools and a very old van bought at auction, Pimlico Plumbers grew to become London’s largest independent home services company.

Initially serving areas of the capital including Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and, of course, Pimlico, the Mullins family business soon became the first choice of high calibre customers and well-known personalities including James Bond star Daniel Craig, actor Dame Helen Mirren and a host of celebrities, politicians and sports stars.

40 years of growth and success

40 years of growth and success

In its first 40 years Pimlico enjoyed rapid expansion, now covering the entire central and greater London areas.

Prior to selling the business in 2021 to US firm Neighborly, Charlie had built a team of more than 300 professional tradespeople and a support team of around 200 staff.

Having revolutionised the London plumbing and heating market by smashing the perceived perception of cowboy tradespeople by ensuring that his plumbers turned up in smart uniforms, in clean vans and to do a top-quality job, Charlie then grew Pimlico’s services to include trades such as drains, electrics, appliance repair, carpentry, roofing and small building works.

More than just plumbers!

Having revolutionised the London plumbing and heating market by smashing the perceived perception of cowboy tradespeople by ensuring that his plumbers turned up in smart uniforms, in clean vans and to do a top-quality job, Charlie then grew Pimlico’s services to include trades such as drains, electrics, appliance repair, carpentry, roofing and small building works.

Recognisable brand in the UK

Recognisable brand in the UK & Spain

Pimlico’s fleet of vans have become London icons of the road alongside black cabs and double decker buses.  Not only recognised for their striking livery, but also their collection of plumbing-related number plates including BOG1, L0020LD and S1NKS.

His fleet also became recognisable in Spain after Charlie set up a Marbella branch of the business to provide British quality services to the ex-pat community.

Pimlico had more than 70 apprentices in both trade of office roles

Latest Blogs…

Apprenticeship Brokerage Scheme Won’t Fix UK Skills Crisis

Apprenticeship Brokerage Scheme Won’t Fix UK Skills Crisis

Charlie Mullins argues the £240m apprenticeship brokerage scheme misses the point: employers need support to create more apprenticeship places.

They came (for me and my OBE)

They came (for me and my OBE)

I saw what they were up to, and for the second time in 18 months conquered their politically motivated attack!

Britain’s NEET epidemic needs a cure, not another sticking plaster

Britain’s NEET epidemic needs a cure, not another sticking plaster

Almost one million young people remain outside education, employment or training. Charlie Mullins argues that Britain needs apprenticeships on a massive scale, not another government initiative.

It’s Time the So-Called ‘Patriotic Millionaires’ Put their Money Where their Mouths Are!

It’s Time the So-Called ‘Patriotic Millionaires’ Put their Money Where their Mouths Are!

Charlie Mullins argues that if the so-called Patriotic Millionaires genuinely believe wealthy people should pay more tax, they should lead by example and make voluntary payments to HM Treasury before demanding new taxes on everyone else.

Loans and Lies: Britain’s Biggest Mis-selling Scandal Isn’t the Student Loan, It’s the University Dream

Loans and Lies: Britain’s Biggest Mis-selling Scandal Isn’t the Student Loan, It’s the University Dream

The Treasury Select Committee says student loans may have been mis-sold to millions of young people. But the bigger scandal may be the university dream itself.

Andy Burnham’s Business Rates Gamble is a Busted Flush!

Andy Burnham’s Business Rates Gamble is a Busted Flush!

Andy Burnham’s proposal to hand local politicians more control over business rates may sound local and practical, but for business owners it risks creating uncertainty, inconsistency and a postcode lottery.

Andy Burnham’s Power-grab is more like a Mafia Hit than a Political Manoeuvre

Andy Burnham’s Power-grab is more like a Mafia Hit than a Political Manoeuvre

Businesses don’t ask for miracles. We ask for certainty. But when Keir Starmer’s Government piled on costs, raised taxes and made hiring harder, confidence vanished. Investment stalled, recruitment slowed, and economic growth went with it.

We have created a generation of Graduates…

We have created a generation of Graduates…

…About As Useful As A Longbow Against A Tank! Half of UK graduates earn below median wage five years on. The data is clear. It is time to fund skills and stop selling degrees as a guaranteed path to success.